Tourism Seychelles made a significant mark at the 27th edition of the BMT trade fair in Naples. The trade fair, held from March 14th to 16th at the Mostra d’Oltremare, showcased the latest trends in tourism, ranging from proximity to luxury travel, and highlighted innovations shaping the future of the industry.
BMT, known as the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo (Mediterranean Tourism Exchange), stands out as the premier B2B fair in the Mediterranean and southern Italy, featuring destinations from Italy itself to foreign destinations.Tourism Seychelles was well represented with a dedicated space in the ADUTEI (Tourism Boards Association) village, depicting the natural wonders and unique experiences that the archipelago offers.
Commenting on the significance of BMT, Tourism Seychelles’ market representative for Italy, Ms Danielle Di Gianvito, shared, “BMT comes at a strategic time of the year. It offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the tourism landscape of the southern region, while also meeting the local tour operators and travel agencies. The BMT, in fact, is also a great platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of new proposals.”
Organised by Progecta, the Mediterranean Tourism Exchange brought together key players in both outgoing and incoming tourism sectors. Major industry names such as ITA Airways and MSC Cruises, alongside historic tour operators, were present, making it a significant event in the national tourism calendar. This year, Croatia served as the host country, drawing visitors not only from southern regions but also from northern areas.
The fair offered numerous educational opportunities, including workshops and conferences focusing on various aspects of tourism evolution, such as sustainable practices, luxury offerings, and the integration of artificial intelligence. Seychelles participated in a panel organised by tourism board delegates, discussing the performance of the Italian market and forecasts for the upcoming summer season.
In addition to airlines and trade associations, the Italian Tour Operators Association, underscored the positive momentum in the industry. Following a robust recovery in 2023, which saw revenues return to pre-pandemic levels, 2024 began optimistically, with expectations of a 10% growth compared to the previous year. Tour operators play a pivotal role in Italy’s economy, recognising their responsibility in ensuring customer satisfaction, product selection, and providing the safety measures inherent in organised tourism.
